PW's Year of Beer: Samuel Adams Escape Route

We love beer. That's why we're devoting an entire year to discovering (and drinking) cold ones from near and far. Know of a beer worth shouting out? Send us a note at tips@philadelphiaweekly.com.

A few years ago, Samuel Adams introduced East West Kolsch, their take on the classic, easy drinking kolsch style of beer popular in Germany. It quickly disappeared. This winter, they’re trying their hand at another kolsch with Escape Route, a somewhat more assertive take on the style. Like most kolsches, it combines the bright fruitiness of an ale with the soft drinkability of a lager. In this case, the bitterness is a little more forward than expected, giving it a dry bite in the finish that would remind you of a pale ale were it not for the grainy, grassy smoothness that dominates each swallow. Go into it knowing what to expect and it won’t disappoint. Kolsches by their nature are meant to be unassuming and drinkable without being boring. Escape Route accomplishes exactly that. Try it wherever Sam’s seasonal beers are tapped.